chef
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A2 noun ʃef

chef

Meaning
A professional cook, especially the chief cook in a restaurant or hotel.
Example
The chef specializes in avant-garde dishes.
C2 noun /kiˌɑːrəˈskjʊəroʊ/

chiaroscuro

Meaning
The use of strong contrasts between light and dark in art or literature to create a dramatic effect.
Example
The artist's painting used chiaroscuro to highlight the figure's face.
B2 noun /ˌsɜːrtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

certification

Meaning
the process of officially recognizing or confirming that something or someone meets required standards; an official document proving qualification
Example
She received her professional certification after completing the training program.
C1 verb /ˈkrɒs.briːd/

crossbreed

Meaning
to produce an animal or plant by mating two different breeds, varieties, or species
Example
Farmers crossbreed cows to improve milk production.
B2 noun /ˈkɑn.trəˌvɜr.si/

Controversy

Meaning
prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion; a dispute or argument involving opposing viewpoints
Example
The new policy sparked a major controversy among the citizens.
C2 noun /kənˈtrɪʃ.ən/

contrition

Meaning
the state of feeling remorseful and repentant
Example
His contrition was evident after the apology.
B2 adjective kənˈsaɪs

concise

Meaning
Brief and clearly expressed without unnecessary details.
Example
A concise speech is more impactful than a long one.
C2 adjective /kəˈpeɪ.ʃəs/

Capacious

Meaning
having a lot of space inside; roomy and spacious
Example
The capacious hall can accommodate five hundred people.
C2 adjective /kənˈdʌktəbl̩/

conductible

Meaning
capable of being conducted, especially electricity or heat
Example
Copper is highly conductible to electricity.
B2 noun /ˈkænvəs/

canvas

Meaning
A strong, coarse cloth used for tents, sails, or painting.
Example
The artist prepared a canvas for his new painting.
C2 verb /ˈtʃeɪfɪŋ/

chafing

Meaning
To make sore by rubbing; to become irritated.
Example
The rough shoes were chafing his heels.
C1 adjective kənˈkɝː.ənt

concurrent

Meaning
Existing, happening, or done at the same time.
Example
The conference had concurrent sessions on various topics.
C2 noun ˌkɒdʒɪˈteɪʃən

cogitation

Meaning
The action of thinking deeply about something; contemplation
Example
After much cogitation, he made the final decision.
B2 adjective /kənˈdɪʃ.ən.əl/

Conditional

Meaning
dependent on certain conditions; not absolute
Example
The job offer is conditional upon passing the background check.
B1 verb /klæp/

clap

Meaning
To strike the palms of the hands together, usually to express approval or create a sharp sound.
Example
The audience began to clap loudly after the performance.
C1 noun kənˈvɜː.dʒəns

convergence

Meaning
The process of coming together from different directions to meet at a common point; unification or integration.
Example
The convergence of technologies is revolutionizing industries.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɪn.ju.əl/

Continual

Meaning
happening repeatedly over a long period of time; constant and uninterrupted
Example
The continual noise from the construction site was very annoying.
C2 adjective /krəˈmætɪk/

chromatic

Meaning
Relating to colors or, in music, notes outside the standard scale.
Example
The artist used a chromatic palette to create vibrant contrasts.
C1 noun /ˌkɒndʒʊˈɡeɪʃən/

conjugation

Meaning
the variation of the form of a verb to indicate tense, person, and number
Example
French verbs have complex conjugations.
C1 noun /ˈkɑːrkəs/

carcass

Meaning
the dead body of an animal, especially after being slaughtered
Example
Vultures fed on the carcass left in the field.
A1 noun /ˈtʃɪk.ən/

Chicken

Meaning
a domestic fowl kept for its eggs or meat; the meat of this bird used as food
Example
The chicken laid fresh eggs every morning.
B2 adjective ˌkɑː.bən ˈnjuː.trəl

carbon-neutral

Meaning
Having a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere; not adding to overall carbon emissions.
Example
The company aims to be carbon-neutral by 2030.
C1 verb /kəˈpɪtjʊˌleɪt/

capitulate

Meaning
to surrender or give in after resisting
Example
The army had no choice but to capitulate to the enemy.
C1 adjective ˌkɑːr.sɪ.nəˈdʒen.ɪk

carcinogenic

Meaning
Having the potential to cause cancer in living tissue.
Example
Processed meat contains carcinogenic compounds.
A2 noun ˈkæm.pɪŋ

camping

Meaning
Living outdoors temporarily, especially for recreation; staying in a tent or similar shelter.
Example
Many families go camping during holidays.
A1 noun /ˈkæm.rə/

camera

Meaning
a device used for taking photographs or recording videos
Example
She bought a new camera for her photography class.
B1 verb /tʃuː/

chew

Meaning
to bite food into smaller pieces with your teeth before swallowing it
Example
You should chew your food properly to help with digestion.
C2 verb /kənˈtɔːrt/

contort

Meaning
to twist or bend out of the normal shape
Example
She contorted her face in pain after the injury.
A1 adjective /kloʊzd/

closed

Meaning
not open; shut
Example
The store is closed on Fridays.
A2 verb /kaʊnt/

count

Meaning
to determine the total number of something
Example
She carefully counted the money on the table.
C1 adjective sɪˈlɛstʃəl

celestial

Meaning
Positioned in or relating to the sky, or outer space as observed in astronomy.
Example
The celestial bodies in the sky were clearly visible last night.
C1 noun ˈkɑːr.bən ˌsiː.kwəˈstreɪ.ʃən

carbon sequestration

Meaning
The process of capture and long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate or defer global warming.
Example
Forests play a key role in carbon sequestration.
C2 adjective /tʃəˈruːbɪk/

cherubic

Meaning
Innocent, sweet, and angelic, like a cherub.
Example
The baby had a cherubic smile that melted everyone’s heart.
C2 adjective /kənˈfɔːrməbl/

conformable

Meaning
Capable of being adapted or consistent with something; compliant.
Example
His actions were conformable to the rules of the institution.
A1 noun /tʃeər/

Chair

Meaning
a separate seat for one person, typically with a back and four legs
Example
Please sit on the chair.
C1 noun /ˈkroʊniˌɪzəm/

cronyism

Meaning
The practice of favoring friends or associates, especially in political appointments or business deals.
Example
The company was accused of cronyism in hiring practices.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɛk.ərd/

checkered

Meaning
Having a pattern of alternating squares of different colors; also describing a past full of ups and downs or varied experiences.
Example
He had a checkered career with many highs and lows.
C2 adjective /ˈkʌvətəs/

covetous

Meaning
having or showing a strong desire for someone else's possessions
Example
She gave him a covetous look when he showed his new watch.
C1 noun /ˈkɒn.vɔɪ/

convoy

Meaning
a group of vehicles or ships traveling together, often for protection
Example
The military convoy moved through the desert at dawn.
C1 noun kənˈɡlɒm.ər.ət

conglomerate

Meaning
A large corporation formed by the merging of separate and diverse firms.
Example
The company grew into a multinational conglomerate.
B1 noun /kluː/

clue

Meaning
a piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving a puzzle
Example
The detective found a clue near the window.
B1 noun /kənˈsjuːmər/

consumer

Meaning
A person who buys and uses goods and services.
Example
The company focuses on understanding consumer needs.
A2 noun /ˈkæs.əl/

Castle

Meaning
a large fortified building or set of buildings; a fortress
Example
The medieval castle stood majestically on top of the hill.
C2 verb /ˈkɒsɪt/

cosset

Meaning
to care for and protect in an overindulgent way
Example
The little girl was cosseted by her grandparents.
C1 verb /ˈkʌl.mɪ.neɪt/

culminate

Meaning
To reach the final or climactic stage of a process or activity.
Example
Years of hard work culminated in his success.
C1 noun /ˈʃoʊ.vəˌnɪz.əm/

chauvinism

Meaning
Excessive or prejudiced support for one's own cause, group, or gender, often with contempt for others.
Example
The company's culture was criticized for promoting male chauvinism.
A2 noun ˈkɜːrɪdʒ

courage

Meaning
The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery.
Example
Courage is essential in the face of challenges.
B2 noun ˈkɔːʃən

caution

Meaning
Care taken to avoid danger or mistakes; a warning or piece of advice.
Example
Researchers issued a caution regarding unsustainable fishing.
A2 noun /ˈkælkjʊleɪtər/

calculator

Meaning
an electronic or mechanical device used to perform mathematical calculations
Example
She used a calculator to solve the complex equation.
A2 noun/verb /kənˈsɜːrn/

concern

Meaning
to relate to or affect; a matter of worry or interest
Example
Environmental issues concern all of us.
C2 noun /ˈkɒɡ.nɪ.zəns/

cognizance

Meaning
Awareness, knowledge, or understanding of something; conscious perception.
Example
The judge took cognizance of the new evidence.
C1 noun kənˈsjuː.mə.rɪ.zəm

consumerism

Meaning
The tendency to increase consumption of goods and the importance given to consuming products.
Example
Modern consumerism leads to increased demand for luxury goods.
C1 noun /kənˈtentmənt/

contentment

Meaning
a state of happiness and satisfaction with what one has
Example
She felt a deep sense of contentment after helping others.
A1 noun /kɑːrd/

card

Meaning
A small, flat piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard used for various purposes, such as identification, greetings, or playing games.
Example
She handed me her business card after the meeting.
C1 noun ˌkɒm.pjʊˈteɪ.ʃən

computation

Meaning
The action of mathematical calculation.
Example
Complex computation is required for AI models.
B2 noun /sərˈkʌmfərəns/

circumference

Meaning
the distance around the edge of a circle
Example
The teacher asked us to calculate the circumference of the circle.
C1 noun /ʃəˈreɪd/

charade

Meaning
an absurd pretense or act intended to deceive; also a word-guessing game
Example
The trial was nothing more than a political charade.
B1 noun /kənˌɡrætʃəˈleɪʃən/

congratulation

Meaning
an expression of praise or joy for someone’s achievement or good fortune
Example
She sent a congratulation to her friend on winning the award.
C1 adjective /kəˈlæpsəbl̩/

collapsible

Meaning
able to be folded down or reduced in size
Example
She bought a collapsible chair for camping.
C2 adjective /ˌkloʊs ˈhɔːld/

close-hauled

Meaning
of a sailing ship, sailing as nearly as possible towards the direction from which the wind is blowing.
Example
The yacht was close-hauled as it cut through the waves.
C1 noun /ˈkʌl.ən.dər/

Colander

Meaning
a bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with holes in it used for draining food such as pasta or rice
Example
She drained the pasta using a colander.
C2 noun /kɒɡˈnoʊmən/

cognomen

Meaning
A family name or surname; an additional name or nickname.
Example
His cognomen became widely known in literary circles.
C1 adjective /ˈkɒz.mɪk/

cosmic

Meaning
relating to the universe or cosmos; vast
Example
Astronomers study cosmic phenomena to understand the universe.
C1 noun kəˈrəʊ.ʒən

corrosion

Meaning
The gradual destruction of materials by chemical or electrochemical reaction, especially of metals by oxidation.
Example
Corrosion in pipes leads to leakage.
B2 noun /ˈkɒl.ər/

Collar

Meaning
a band of material around the neck; in jewelry context, a close-fitting necklace
Example
She wore an elegant pearl collar to the formal dinner.
C1 noun /ˌkɒn.əˈsɜːr/

connoisseur

Meaning
an expert judge in matters of taste, especially in food, art, or wine
Example
She is a true connoisseur of fine art.
B2 noun /ˈkʊriər/

courier

Meaning
a person or company that delivers messages, packages, or mail
Example
The courier delivered the documents on time.
C1 verb /kəmˈprɛs/

compress

Meaning
to press or squeeze something so that it becomes smaller
Example
The file was compressed to save storage space.
B1 noun/adjective /ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/

characteristic

Meaning
A distinguishing quality or feature of a person, place, or thing.
Example
Kindness is a characteristic of true leadership.
B1 noun /ˈkæp.ɪ.təl/

Capital

Meaning
the most important city or town of a country or region; wealth in the form of money or assets
Example
Paris is the capital of France and also a major financial capital.
B2 verb /kəˈlæps/

collapse

Meaning
to fall down or inward suddenly; to break down completely
Example
The old building collapsed after the earthquake.
B2 noun /ˈkɑːmpaʊnd/

compound

Meaning
a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; an enclosed area with buildings
Example
The scientist studied the chemical compound in the lab.
C2 adjective /ˌkɑːmənˈsɛnsɪkəl/

commonsensical

Meaning
based on or showing sound practical judgment; sensible
Example
It was commonsensical to carry an umbrella on a rainy day.
B2 noun/verb /sɪˈmɛnt/

cement

Meaning
a powdery substance that binds materials together; to make something strong or permanent
Example
The treaty helped cement the relationship between the two countries.
C2 noun /ˈkɒŋ.kɔː.dæt/

concordat

Meaning
An agreement or treaty, especially between the Vatican and a secular government.
Example
The concordat established the rights of the church within the country.
C2 adjective /ˈkʌsɪd/

cussed

Meaning
Annoyingly stubborn or difficult.
Example
He was too cussed to admit his mistake.
B2 noun /ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃən/

complication

Meaning
A problem or difficulty that makes a situation harder to deal with.
Example
His illness led to serious complications after surgery.
B2 noun /ˈkɒmpoʊst/

compost

Meaning
decayed organic matter used as fertilizer
Example
The gardener added compost to enrich the soil.
C2 adjective /kəmˈbʌstɪbəl/

combustible

Meaning
Capable of catching fire and burning easily.
Example
Dry leaves are highly combustible.
A1 noun /kʌp/

Cup

Meaning
a small, round container, typically with a handle, used for drinking tea, coffee, or other hot beverages
Example
She drank tea from her favorite ceramic cup.
B2 noun /kəmˈpliːʃən/

completion

Meaning
the action or process of finishing something
Example
The completion of the project will take another few weeks.
C1 verb /ˈkrɪsən/

christen

Meaning
to give a name to someone at baptism or to name something officially
Example
They christened the ship after the queen.
A1 adjective /koʊld/

Cold

Meaning
having a low temperature; lacking warmth; unfriendly
Example
The cold winter wind made everyone shiver.
C2 noun /ˌkɔːrnjuˈkoʊpiə/

cornucopia

Meaning
an abundance or overflowing supply of something
Example
The festival offered a cornucopia of fruits and sweets.
C2 adjective /ˈkæloʊ/

callow

Meaning
Inexperienced and immature.
Example
The callow intern made several mistakes on his first day.
B1 noun /koʊm/

Comb

Meaning
a toothed device for arranging or cleaning the hair
Example
She used a comb to style her hair before the party.
C2 verb /kənˈtjuːz/

contuse

Meaning
to bruise by striking or hitting
Example
He contused his arm when he fell off the bike.
A1 verb /kɔːst/

cost

Meaning
to have a price of; to require payment; to cause loss
Example
This book will cost twenty dollars.
C1 noun /kɑːrˈtɒɡrəfi/

cartography

Meaning
The science or practice of drawing maps.
Example
She studied cartography at university to learn how to design maps.
C1 adjective /ˈkoʊvərt/

covert

Meaning
hidden, secret, or not openly acknowledged
Example
The spy conducted a covert operation behind enemy lines.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈveɪl/

countervail

Meaning
to offset or counteract the effect of something
Example
The benefits of the new policy countervail its drawbacks.
B1 noun /kɒp/

cop

Meaning
a police officer (informal)
Example
The cop stopped the car for speeding.
C1 adjective /kənˈtɪɡ.ju.əs/

contiguous

Meaning
sharing a common border; touching
Example
The two continguous houses shared a wall.
B1 noun /ˈkɔːlɪˌflaʊər/

Cauliflower

Meaning
white vegetable with a compact head of undeveloped flower buds
Example
Roasted cauliflower makes a delicious and healthy side dish.
C2 noun /ˈkɒd.ɪ.sɪl/

codicil

Meaning
a legal document that makes changes or additions to an existing will
Example
He added a codicil to his will to include his granddaughter.
B2 noun /ˈsɜːrkɪt/

circuit

Meaning
A roughly circular line, route, or movement that starts and ends at the same place; also an electrical pathway.
Example
The runners completed the circuit around the park.
B2 adjective /ˈsɪn.ɪ.kəl/

cynical

Meaning
Believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity.
Example
She was cynical about the politician's promises.
B1 noun /ˈtʃæmpiənʃɪp/

championship

Meaning
a competition to decide who is the best in a particular sport or activity.
Example
The championship will be held next month.
C2 noun /kəˈpriːs/

caprice

Meaning
a sudden, unpredictable change of mood or behavior
Example
She bought the expensive dress on a caprice.
B1 adverb /ˈkʌrəntli/

currently

Meaning
at the present time; now
Example
He is currently working on a new project.
B2 noun /kəˈtæstrəfi/

catastrophe

Meaning
A sudden and widespread disaster or misfortune.
Example
The earthquake was a catastrophe for the entire region.
A1 verb /keɪm/

came

Meaning
past tense of 'come'
Example
She came to the party on time.
C2 verb /ˌkaʊntərˈmænd/

countermand

Meaning
to revoke or cancel an order or command
Example
The general countermanded the previous orders immediately.
A1 verb /kætʃ/

catch

Meaning
to grab something that is moving; to get a disease; to understand
Example
Can you catch the ball I'm throwing?
B2 noun, verb /kɜːrs/

curse

Meaning
a solemn wish that harm or misfortune should befall someone; a rude or offensive word or phrase; to utter offensive words or wish harm upon someone
Example
He cursed loudly when he realized he had lost his wallet.
C2 noun /səˈlɛrɪti/

celerity

Meaning
swiftness of movement; speed
Example
The soldier moved with great celerity to deliver the message.
A2 noun, verb /kɒf/

cough

Meaning
a sudden noisy release of air from the lungs to clear the throat or airway; to expel air suddenly from the lungs with a cough
Example
He has a bad cough and stayed home today.
C1 noun /ˌkɒn.təmˈpleɪ.ʃən/

contemplation

Meaning
The action of looking thoughtfully at something for a long time; deep reflective thought.
Example
She sat in contemplation before making her decision.
C2 noun /ˈklæpər/

clapper

Meaning
The free-swinging metal piece inside a bell that strikes it to produce sound.
Example
The clapper inside the bell was broken.
C1 adjective /ˈkjʊərəbl/

curable

Meaning
Able to be cured or healed.
Example
The doctor assured her that the disease was curable.
C2 noun /tʃəˈmeɪ.li/

Chameli

Meaning
a variety of jasmine flower with small white fragrant petals
Example
The chameli flowers are commonly used to make garlands and perfumes.
A2 verb /kəmˈpleɪn/

complain

Meaning
to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something
Example
He often complains about the noise in the neighborhood.
B2 noun /ˌkɑn.trəˈdɪk.ʃən/

Contradiction

Meaning
a combination of statements, ideas, or features which are opposed to one another; inconsistency
Example
There was a clear contradiction between his words and his actions.
B2 noun /kɒk/

Cock

Meaning
an adult male chicken
Example
The cock crowed loudly at dawn to wake everyone up.
C1 noun /klæn/

clan

Meaning
a large family group or a close-knit community with shared interests or ancestry
Example
The entire clan gathered to celebrate the festival.
C1 verb /kənˈvɜːrdʒ/

converge

Meaning
to come together from different directions; to meet at a point
Example
The roads converge at the city center.
C1 verb /ˈkɒnskrɪpt/

conscript

Meaning
to force someone into military service
Example
The government conscripted young men during the war.
B2 adverb /kənˈsɪdərəbli/

Considerably

Meaning
to a notably large degree; significantly; substantially
Example
The price has increased considerably over the past year.
B1 noun /ˈsɪtɪzən/

citizen

Meaning
a legally recognized subject or national of a state
Example
Every citizen has the right to vote.
C1 noun /krʊk/

crook

Meaning
a dishonest person, especially a criminal
Example
The police finally caught the crook who had been stealing cars.
C1 noun /kliːk/

clique

Meaning
a small, exclusive group of people
Example
The students formed a clique that excluded others.